Details
A Rare M.G.S., Original Artefacts and Documents Including Oporto, Talavera and Albuhera Letters Relating to Lieutenant Colonel C. A. Bayley, late 25th., 31st. and 38th. Regiments, Governor of the Islands of Gozo and Comino
(a) Military General Service, 1793 - 1814, three clasps, Egypt, Talavera, Albuhera (Lieut. & Adj. 31st Foot & D.A.A.G.), extremely fine (Ex Muirhead Collection)
(b) Three historical, emotive letters written by Bayley to his fiancée Sally Smith, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin: "Cortisades 21st May 1809 ... of course before this you will have heard of the particulars of the Oporto affair which at present we are but slightly in possession of ... we went with the Portuguese to keep in check Victor ... excuse this letter of business -- the next shall be something better" -- it was.
The other two letters describe in graphic detail two of the bloodiest battles of the Peninsular war, Talavera and Albuhera; both accounts were written shortly after each action by Bayley whose regiment met with severe casualties and greatly distinguished itself on both occasions.
'Camp Talavera 30th July 1809 ... after two days and a night hard fighting -- this is the first moment I embrace to tell you my love that your Charles is safe ... we found our officers and men falling all around us ... we had no alternative but run upon them with the bayonet -- however numbers overpowered us -- they had at that time in the wood 23,000 -- we only 2,900 ... it fell to our lot to be fronted to a column of 3,000 -- these we were ordered to charge with the bayonet which put them to rout ... never have troops gained more Honour than in these last two days .. tell Gamble's friends he is but slightly wounded ... I write this under a tree upon my hat -- with a dreadul shaking pen -- and having no rest for the last ten days and nights ... I have lost poor Captain Lodge who was shot off my horse'
'Camp Near Albuera May 18th. 1811, 10 o'clock Morning Thank God my dearest beloved Sally, once more your Charles has been spared. The day before yesterday we have had one of the greatest battles ever fought ... our division ... we had 4,200 in action and we have lost killed and wounded and taken prisoners, 2,930 -- poor Shawbridge is killed ... my horse was shot in the head and a ball lodged in the hind part of my saddle and one through my coat, poor General Stewart was wounded twice in the foot and breast -- Capt. Fleming shot through the eye -- Capt. Knox in the shoulder -- Lt. Butler in the leg -- Lt. Cashel throught the breast -- Lt. Gatten, Lt. Nagle and Lt. Nicholson also badly wounded ... poor Shawbridges regiment the 66th., the 2nd. Batt. 48th. have lost their colours whilst charging the enemy down a hill, they were charged in their rear by a large body of cavalry -- General Stewart -- myself and Hon. Capt. Walker, our Qr. Master Genl. (who was cut down) actually cut our way through ... the slaughter that ensued was most horrid to behold ... in the midst of all Sally dear, you were never from my thoughts, one moment'
(c) Letter written from "Elvas June 30th. 1811" by Major General W. M. Stewart regarding Bayley's "long merited promotion", and a Commission appointing him Captain of a Company in 36th. Herefordshire Regiment, 15th. January, 1812, signed by the Prince Regent
(d) Warrant appointing Bayley Lieutenant Governor of the Islands of Gozo and Comino 3rd. May, 1827 signed by George IV, a Commission appointing him Major, 22nd. July 1830 and a Colonial Department letter informing him of the award of a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, 9th. July, 1833
(e) A number of other documents includng a Warrant to officiate as Deputy Judge Advocate signed by Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Maitland, Malta 1823, a Masonic document admitting Bayley to the Lodge of St. John & St. Paul, Malta 1823, a similar document to a relative, 1873, details of enquiries made on Bayley's estate, 1883, a 19th. century map of Malta and a photograph of Sarah, Bayley's widow
(f) A small bible carried by Bayley on active service and inscribed "Chas. A. Bayley 31 Regt. Salamanca. Spain"
(g) Wax bust of Bayley in uniform, repaired, 160 mm. including wooden socle, base inscribed "Colonel Andrew Bayley H.M.s. 31st Regt. GoveRnor of Gozo till 1850"
(lot)
